California's commercial Dungeness crab season faces a delay this year, reflecting growing concerns over the safety of marine wildlife, particularly humpback whales. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced that the season, originally set to open on November 15, may not open until December 1, depending on a reassessment of the risk of whale entanglements. The affected area ranges from the Sonoma-Mendocino County line in the Northern parts of the state to the U.S.-Mexico border.
CDFW is committed to protecting marine life while also considering the economic impact on the fishing industry. The organization previously cited numerous reports of humpback whale entanglements in fishing gear, emphasizing the importance of precautionary measures. Recreational crabbers will still be able to fish starting November 2, but specific restrictions will be in place in designated zones to safeguard these marine mammals.
The CDFW's decision aligns with ongoing discussions about the fishing industry's future in the context of environmental sustainability. The use of pop-up gear, designed to reduce the risk of entanglements, has been suggested as a potential solution. However, this technology has yet to be widely implemented or mandated across the state.
A recent trial of ropeless crab fishing gear in the state sparked a heated debate within the Dungeness crab fishery, while some accepted the technology and others few it as a complication in an already struggling industry. The trial followed the Dungeness season that had started two months late this past January 18, where some fishermen were only allowed to fish 50 percent of their normal trap count.
As the season approaches, many in the fishing community are anxious about the potential economic impact of the delay. Ben Gundy, oceans campaigner with the Center for Biological Diversity told Courthouse News, “If California had already authorized using pop-up gear, which performed really well in tests, crab fishers could be prepping to put their traps in the water right now. Instead, everybody’s frustrated, and whales will still face entanglement risk from traditional lines when the season opens.”
CDFW states that due to the growing number of entanglements on the West Coast over the past few years this has caused them to take steps to delay the season.
The delayed season highlights the complex balance between conservation efforts and the economic realities faced by commercial fishermen. As NF and other sources have reported, this ongoing reporting is critical in ensuring both the sustainability of marine life and the viability of fishing communities.
